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Symptoms to watch out for

Not everyone has a reaction to black henna, but it can be painful if you do.

The signs range from discomfort, such as burning or tingling, to painful stinging, swelling, redness and blistering of the skin.

This can become very severe and lead to permanent scarring of the skin in the outline of the tattoo.

If you get a reaction like this, contact a doctor immediately and tell them what has happened.

If the reaction persists or gets worse, go back to the doctor, as the painted area can also become infected.

Dr Anjali Mahto, Consultant Dermatologist and British Skin Foundation Spokesperson, says: “Black henna is well known to cause skin reactions and should be treated with caution, particularly in children.”

Problems in later life

Apart from the pain and possible scarring in reaction to a black henna tattoo, there is a real risk of becoming sensitised to PPD.

This means that if you come into contact with PPD again in the future, even years later, you can have a very serious allergic reaction.

Allergic reactions can get worse over time, and you might not even realise you have become sensitised.

PPD is also found in other items, including rubbers and inks, so if you have an unexpected reaction to everyday products and seek treatment, tell your doctor or pharmacist about your sensitivity to PPD.

If you know you have become sensitised to PPD, do not use any hair dye containing PPD, or similar dyes such as p-toluenediamine (PTD).

Dr Christopher Flower, Director-General, said: “The message is clear: having a ‘black henna’ temporary tattoo presents a significant risk of a very nasty adverse reaction to the tattoo itself.

"It also increases the risk of either not being able to use most hair dyes in the future or having a bad reaction to them if the warnings are ignored.

"Most importantly, parents will want to safeguard their children this summer by steering clear of so-called ‘black henna’ temporary tattoos.”

High profile cases

She joins the Foundation in warning the public of the dangers of so-called ‘black henna’ temporary tattoos after her son suffered a reaction earlier this year.

Upon returning from a holiday in Morocco, Alfie aged six was left with a scar on his leg where the tattoo had been.

Natasha said: “I am backing the British Skin Foundation's #AvoidBlackHenna campaign as there needs to be a greater awareness of the potential permanent dangers posed by Black Henna tattoos.

"Sharing my photograph of Alfie's scarred leg will hopefully highlight these dangers and will act as a warning to parents who might not know the risks attached to these so-called temporary 'black henna' tattoos.

"Having witnessed first-hand Alfie's terrible reaction to Black Henna, it’s just not worth the risk of permanent damage and letting your children have one done at home or abroad.”